COPE Health Scholars Practice Test 2025 - Free COPE Health Scholars Practice Questions and Study Guide

Contact-based transmission precautions are essential in preventing the spread of infections that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infectious agents. The correct practice involves a comprehensive approach that includes hand hygiene, the use of gloves, wearing a gown, and following isolation protocols.

Hand hygiene is crucial as it helps eliminate pathogens that may be on the hands before they can be transferred to another individual or surface. Gloves provide a barrier from direct contact with infectious agents, protecting both healthcare workers and patients. A gown serves as an additional protective layer to prevent the transmission of pathogens through clothing. Isolation protocols ensure that infected individuals are separated from others to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

In contrast, while masks and gloves are important for some types of transmission, they alone do not provide adequate protection against contact-based transmission. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectants play a role in cleaning but are not direct precautions taken by the healthcare worker or protocols for patient care. Air filtration systems are primarily utilized for airborne precautions, not for contact-based transmission, thus are not applicable in this context.